Call On Me

Chapter Twenty Seven-Hogwarts

LILY ANN.

I glared at the woman as she sat down next to Dad.

"Ugh," she said. "I'm so tired. I think I woke up at like 5 AM."

Dad smiled.

"I know the feeling," he replied. "I'm Remus Lupin and this is my daughter, Lily Ann."

"Nice to meet you," Carrie replied as Dad extended his hand out for her to shake.

They shook hands.

"And it's nice to meet you," Carrie said kindly to me as she moved her extended hand toward me. I warily shook it.

Arimus barked and wagged her tail at Carrie.

"What a beautiful dog!" Carrie beamed. "What's her name?"

"Arimus," Dad replied.

Carrie began petting Arimus on the head.

"I'm not sure she'll be allowed," Carrie said uncertainly. "I only know of Cats, Frogs, Rats and Owls."

"Well she is magical," I replied stiffly. "Watch."

I bent down and whispered in Arimus' ear: "Pick up Carrie's briefcase."

There was a brand new looking briefcase on the floor beside Carrie's feet. In a blink of an eye Arimus was holding the briefcase handle in her jaws.

"Oh my," Carrie said wide-eyed.

"She's lightning quick," Dad replied beaming.

Carrie reached forward and gently pulled the handle from Arimus' jaws.

"Well I'm sure the headmaster would have to okay her though," Carrie said placing the briefcase down beside her again.

"I've known Dumbledore for ages," Dad replied raising an eyebrow. "I think he'll be alright with Arimus."

Carrie nodded.

"So what class are you teaching this year?" Carrie asked sweetly, changing the subject.

"I'm not here to teach," Dad replied. "I'm here with Lily Ann."

Carrie looked confused.

"I've never heard of a parent staying with their student," she said slowly puzzled.

"Dumbledore actually suggested it," Dad replied. "There are reasons."

There was something about his tone that meant that was all there was to it and didn't like anyone prodding unless he trusted them completely. I picked up that Dad didn't full trust Carrie too well.

Suddenly, the pistons screeched and the train came to an abrupt halt. I slid off the seat and practically landed in Dad's lap.

"You okay?" Dad asked immediately as he helped me up. Arimus was on the floor, on all fours.

"Yeah," I said. "What happened?"

"Dunno," Carrie replied getting up and poking her head out into the corridor. "We've stopped but I'm not sure why."

Arimus suddenly became rigid and stared toward the compartment door. I heard a low growl rumbling in her throat.

I looked at Dad. He shrugged and continued to watch the compartment door as well. Suddenly, the familiar blond haired woman appeared.

"Hey," Dad said. "Did you see why we've stopped?"

Kelly shook her head.

"No," she said. "Might be a power failure? May I come in?"

Carrie was watching Kelly with curiosity and revulsion.

I thought that was really interesting why Carrie would already seem like she hated Kelly when she didn't even know her that well and a bit unfair. Unless…

Unless Carrie began having a crush on Dad.

Kelly was really pretty after all…so was Carrie. Maybe she felt there would be competition?

"Sure," Dad said.

Kelly came in and went to sit beside me when Arimus began barking at her madly. Kelly jumped to her feet and quickly took a seat next to Dad, in-between Carrie and Dad.

"What's with that dog?" Kelly asked frowning. "She growled at me in Diagon Alley."

"Dunno," I said raising an eyebrow. "Dogs are good judges of character."

Dad looked at me curiously.

I just shrugged and stroked Arimus' head. She curled up against me and panted, but kept a close eye on Kelly.

The train began picking up again. The pistons began pumping and shortly we were moving again.

We arrived at Hogwarts shortly. The castle was huge and had several turrets and bridge connecting one part of the castle to another.

I was in awe.

REMUS.

Lily Ann kept stroking Arimus' head. I gently reached over to pat the dogs head. She eagerly began licking my hand. I smiled.

Carrie went to pet her but she didn't allow her.

"Strange," I mused.

The train pulled into the stop and we disembarked. We gathered up our luggage and headed toward the castle.

Arimus trotted merrily along side me. She would glance up at me every once and a while.

We reached the main double doors and stepped in.

"Wait a minute," Carrie said slowly. "I thought she was a first year…why didn't she go with the others?"

"Dunno," I said. "I had completely forgotten about that. Normally the train left at eleven o'clock on the dot. I think the train was in the station at 12. We missed the Sorting Ceremony. Perhaps Dumbledore will decide automatically where to put her?"

Carrie and Kelly looked at each other and then shrugged.

We entered the castle. Lily Ann and Arimus kept close to me. We stepped into the Great Hall. Sure enough, the students had already been sorted. I found that a bit odd as to why Dumbledore would do things differently this year. I knew of course he had a good reason.

Dumbledore saw us walking up the center aisle. The students kept talking happily, not really paying attention until one girl spied Arimus. Then, several girls followed her gaze until the entire Hall watched Arimus and us walking up the aisle.

"Ah," Dumbledore said beaming. "Professors Smith and Ryans. Please take a seat."

He gestured to the two empty seats at the Head table. The immediately sat down.

He then turned to me.

"Lupin," he said kindly to Lily Ann. "Please take a seat at the Gryffindor table."

I looked at him quizzically. He just shook his head and beamed at Lily Ann.

"W-what about Arimus?" Lily Ann stammered.

"She can stay," he said nodding.

Arimus wagged her tail at Professor Dumbledore.

"She's magical," I relayed to him.

He just waved his hand and gently ushered Lily Ann and I over to the Gryffindor table. I took a seat and Lily Ann did as well toward the aisle. Arimus sat on her haunches and sat patiently.

We dug into the food.

"Dogs aren't allowed," a 7th year boy said to Lily Ann. "Only the animals on the list."

"Professor Dumbledore said she can stay," Lily Ann said defensively. "So I'm listening to him."

The 7th year boy shrugged and went back to his dinner.

I leaned close to her.

"If anyone gives you trouble, might I suggest letting Dumbledore hand it," I whispered.

Lily Ann nodded.

Arimus looked up at me longing as I dug into some roast beef.

I had to smile.

I cut a piece of the meat and placed it in my palm. I lowered my hand down, palm upward and Arimus hungrily ate it.

I scratched her ear and she happily licked my hand.

After a few more times of having to give Arimus a piece of my dinner, dinner was over and it was time to head to the common room.

"Ah," Professor Snape's voice crooned. "Lupin. I should've known you'd be happiest in the company of canines."

Arimus trotted over to Snape, lifted her hind leg up against the leg of his robe and…well…you get the picture.

Arimus trotted back over to us as if smug. She sat on her haunches in between Lily Ann and I.

I could see Lily Ann struggling not to laugh.

Snape looked down at his soaked robe leg.

"You find this amusing?" he asked Lily Ann with an icy stare.

Lily Ann's face straightened immediately.

"Relax Severus," I said warningly. "It was just an accident."

Snape turned his dark eyes onto me.

"The headmaster will be hearing about this,"

With that, he turned and stalked off down the corridor.

Lily Ann turned to me fearfully.

She put her arm around Arimus protectively.

"She won't have to leave…will she?" she asked nervously.

I grinned.

"I highly doubt it," I said. "Snape takes his orders from Dumbledore. If Dumbledore says Arimus can stay, then she stays. Try not to worry about it too much okay? He already knows she's here."

Lily Ann nodded but seemed a bit more relaxed.

We headed up to Gryffindor tower.

Lily Ann was in awe.

"Wow," she breathed. "This is wonderful!"

The walls had the maroon/gold wall paper with the Gryffindor crest on it.

A few first years were already sitting in the common room talking happily.

Lily Ann went over to them.

"Hello," she said brightly. "My name is Lily Ann Lupin."

They looked up at her. Arimus was standing next to Lily Ann panting and watching the first years.

"What a beautiful dog!" one of the first years cried eagerly as she got up and came over to us. "What's her name?"

"Her name is Arimus," Lily Ann beamed. "What's yours?"

"My name is Elizabeth Gregory," the girl said extending her hand out.

Lily Ann shook Elizabeth's hand.

"This is my Dad," Lily Ann said proudly.

I smiled and extended my hand.

"Remus," I said kindly.

Elizabeth shook my hand as well.

She had shoulder length dark brown hair and blue eyes. She was now dressed in the Gryffindor uniform and robe.

"Dogs aren't allowed," one of the other first years piped up. "Only…"

"What's on the list," Elizabeth said rolling her eyes. "Ya we know, Phil. But I saw Dumbledore. He saw the dog and didn't say anything. Let's not give her grief alright?"

The boy fell silent. The rest of them scattered, leaving Elizabeth, Lily Ann and I alone in the common room.

"So I mean, Elizabeth said as she sat down on the couch. "Why is your Dad here? Not that I mind."

"Um," I said. "When I was here at school, we had some horrible things happen. We might think it might repeat."

Elizabeth nodded, and didn't push anymore information.

"My parents are both Muggles," Elizabeth said. "Me Mum works in the National Bank and me Dad works as a police officer."

"Cool," Lily Ann said brightly. "My Dad works in the Ministry."

Elizabeth beamed.

"What about your Mum?"

Lily Ann and I looked at each other gravely.

"Me Mum's not alive," Lily Ann said quietly.

Remorse filled Elizabeth's expression.

"I'm so sorry," she said sympathetically.

Lily Ann smiled.

"Thanks,"

There was silence, then:

"So what kind of dog is Arimus?" Elizabeth asked extending her hand out.

Arimus immediately went over to her and began licking her hand.

"Chocolate and white Border Collie," I replied.

"Cool," Elizabeth said grinning.

"It's getting late," I said. "We should be getting to sleep now."

Elizabeth nodded.

"Good night. I'll see you in the morning,"

She gave Arimus a pat and scratch before heading off to the girls' dorm.

Lily Ann stood up.

I gave her a tight hug.

"Sleep well okay?" I said softly.

"I will," Lily Ann said.

I released her and gave Arimus a hug and kiss as well.

I pointed to the girls' dorm and they were off.

I headed off to the boys dorm and climbed into bed. I pulled the covers up on me and turned over onto my left side.

Shortly, I had dozed off.

In the morning, I awoke, got dressed and headed out of the dorm. Elizabeth and Lily Ann were already in the common room talking.

"Ready for breakfast?" I asked eagerly.

They nodded.

We headed down to the Great Hall.

We took our seats at the table. Professor Dumbledore arose from his seat and addressed the Hall.

Silence fell across the Hall like a tidal wave.

"Morning! I want to welcome all our familiar faces back as well as new ones," he said beaming. His blue eyes were twinkling behind his half moon spectacles. "I trust this year will be productive. Now, tuck in!"

Food appeared on our plates. We hungrily began eating.

Just then, Kelly walked up the center aisle, heading toward the Head table.

Arimus was sitting on the seat beside me.

Kelly stopped behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. Immediately, Arimus' head snapped around and she began growling angrily at Kelly.

"What is with her?" Kelly asked irritably.

"It's really weird," I said, watching Arimus.

Kelly bent down, leaning close to Arimus. Arimus began silently baring her teeth and pinning her ears back. Both the blue eye and brown eye were locked on Kelly.

"Easy, puppy," I heard Kelly grown in an inhuman voice. "Or your owner may need a grave plot."

With that, Kelly continued up the aisle.